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Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has warned Nigeria not to depend solely on Victor Osimhen when they face Gabon in Thursday’s decisive CAF World Cup qualifying playoff in Rabat, Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria are favourites to beat Gabon but the Super Eagles have had their preparations hampered by bonus row with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Still, the three-time African champions are backed to triumph fuelled by the talents of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time top goalscorer.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder said the Galatasaray striker’s brilliance must be matched by strong performances across the team if Nigeria are to progress.
“We have one of the best strikers in the world right now — he is absolutely on fire. But it is not just him. The whole team has to perform. Don’t depend on Victor Osimhen alone. Find the motivation in you knowing that this is the biggest game of the nation’s life,” Mikel said.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner also addressed the recent bonus row that disrupted Nigeria’s preparations, describing the players’ protest as poorly timed.
“The corruption has to be rooted out of the game if we want to go forward,” he said, “but now is not the best time to discuss those. Now is the time to focus on the game against Gabon.”
Mikel urged the Nigeria Football Federation to support the players fully and ensure they are mentally ready for what he called “a mountain to climb.” He ended with a rallying message: “We have to qualify for the World Cup. There is no two ways about it.”
